Can I Still Rent After Filing Bankruptcy?

Can I Still Rent After Filing Bankruptcy?

When individuals begin considering filing for bankruptcy and decide to consult a debt relief expert to get answers to all of their questions, one of the most asked questions is about whether they will be able to find a home to rent after filing for bankruptcy.

Filing for bankruptcy and then looking to rent after filing bankruptcy is not the ideal situation, however it is common due to those who need to vacate a foreclosed home or those wishing to break a lease with a former landlord. Every company or individual will have different criteria when screening renters and of course they want the strongest tenants possible. You will have the most luck dealing with non corporate individuals as they are not bound by any company policies. Those who have been living rent free for the last several months prior to filing for bankruptcy may have some cash in which to entice a landlord to allow you to rent the place that you want. You could tell the landlord that you have enough to prepay the first couple of months rent as well as the damage deposit. At the end of the day, cash is king and it will put you to the top of the list.

If you are somebody who does not have funds available to entice a landlord to rent to you where you are seeking to rent after filing bankruptcy, you could help your case by showing the landlord your pre bankruptcy credit history if it was strong and current which could make a difference, you could also provide pay advices to show that you gainfully employed and can afford the rent, and finally you could inform the landlord that all of the debt that was holding you back has been discharged in a bankruptcy and you will have no problem affording the rent. Generally you should not be spending any more than 30% of your income on rent.

At the end of the day, the economy has hit many people hard and not every tenant is going to have perfect credit. Landlords need to fill their building to be profitable, so make a strong argument for why you are a good tenant and I don’t think you will have trouble finding a place to rent after filing for bankruptcy. The debt that is discharged and is allowing you to get a fresh start will have a much greater benefit to you than worrying about where to find a place to live. At the end of the day, everything will work out and you will be glad that you have relieved yourself of the large burden that was holding you back.

If you have additional questions please contact Symmes Law Group at 206-682-7975 to speak to a debt relief attorney to learn about your options.